Antique Meerschaum Kalmasch Pipe Churchwarden Mother of Pearl Pipa 烟斗 C 1850

A Meerschaum (sepiolite) bowled tobacco pipe with silver plated mounts, long ebonised wooden stem decorated with cast copper fittings and two bands of mother of pearl (MOP) panels, a double safety chain and a bent carved horn mouthpiece (bit).  The general shape would be described as a Kalmasch or a reading pipe by collectors but, some may describe it as a Churchwarden style or even as a Hussar pipe. This antique pipe was most probably made in Germany and dates from the mid 19th century circa 1850.

The shape is that of a Lesepfeife, German or Austrian reading pipe, sometimes called Ulm pipes, however these Ulmers generally have bowls made of carved wood as opposed to meerschaum as here. 

The plain bowled meerschaum (German for sea foam) bowl has a deep amber, orange and brown patina from use. The pipe is in very good antique condition with no damage but, with the obvious signs from age and use.

Length 13 1/2 inches ( 34 cm)
Bowl diameter 1 3/16 inches ( 3cm)
Weight unpacked 108 grammes